At least three gunmen, wearing combat fatigues, burst into Crocus City Hall and fired automatic weapons, injuring dozens of patrons and killing a significant number of them, according to Russian media.
Some media report that 40 people were killed and more than 100 injured as a result of the shooting. No official confirmation has been issued yet.
Press outlets report the use of explosives and video shows black smoke rising above the building. State news wire service TASS suggests up to a third of the huge complex has been engulfed in flames.
"We were sitting in the center of the hall. The concert began, just a couple of minutes passed, one or two grenades exploded in the middle, gray smoke started pouring out. Panic began," an eyewitness told RIA Novosti.
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin has ordered city services to provide all necessary assistance to everyone who has been injured. He expressed condolences to the relatives of those killed.
Crocus City Hall is located in Moscow Region, right outside the administrative boundary of the Russian capital. The complex includes a concert hall, an aquarium, and a wedding venue along with many shops and restaurants.
Comment: It is likely no coincidence that on March 8th the American and British embassies issued a warning telling all US nationals still in Russia to avoid large gatherings and public venues in Moscow. What did they know?